Saturday 28 March 2015

This weeks project

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this project this week. Again, the influence came from Beryl Taylor, I just love how she combines fabric of different weights and textures together to create interesting areas on her work. With this in mind and a mission to use up a lot of small scraps of fabric, I set about making a collage on a backing piece of calico which of course got the paint treatment. I actually dug out some of my old Glimmer Mist sprays to tint the fabric, giving it a more aged look, then added a touch of Mermaid Fresco Finish paint, mixed with a tad of Chalk to add highlights of pale turquoise. 


I made the centre panel out of pelmet interfacing, it's strong enough to withstand a lot of wet stuff but still flexible, making it easy to stitch through. The arch and the doors were also made out of the pelmet stuff, I die cut those with the arch die by Tim Holtz. I added some wadding, covered it with fabric and painted it with nearly every brown/orange Fresco paint before stitching it. After stitching, I added the turquoise colours....again, many colours were used plus some Treasure Gold to achieve an aged look.



For me, the fun of a project like this is searching for all the tiny elements that finish a project. The detail elements are key for me. Over the years I have accumulated rather a large stash of stuff so generally, I have the elements but you can bet they are not the right colour!! That really isn't a problem though. Since I have been using Fresco Finish paint, I discovered that I can paint pretty much anything, so I just give everything a coat of paint. Sometimes it needs to be watered down or mixed with one of the glazes but how amazing is that to know that you will always be able to colour match to your project!!!




I'm not entirely sure if this piece is completely finished yet. Quite often, I will walk away and leave it for a few days. Looking at it again with fresh eyes sometime tells me if I need to add anything else to achieve the completely finished look that I want.


I do hope that the weather in your neck of the woods is better than it is here today......it's not exactly what you'd hope for on a weekend but it is a good excuse to stay home and create something beautiful.

16 comments:

Helen said...

What a gorgeous, gorgeous project!

Hazel Agnew said...

This is one of those wonderful projects that you want to examine carefully! I am a great fan of Beryl and just adore this piece! Great tip to colourise, as the Americans say, objects etc with Frescos! Love the image, do you know her? Once again you have inspired me to get my Beryl book out! Would be wonderful if you could bring this to Wirksworth for me to drool over! Xx

yoursartfully said...

Thank you Hazel. I was lucky enough to take a class with Beryl last year, so yes I have met her....such a lovely, lovely lady as well as being super talented.
I know I will not remember, so if you would like me to bring it to Wirksworth, please remind me and I'll be happy to Pop it in the car.

yoursartfully said...

Thank you Helen. X

Nan G said...

Lovely texture..cloth no less! As I sit here drooling (oops, sorry) admiring your piece ...my mind is thinking now how can I do similar with and maybe wood or metal? The drools are a compliment as you've inspired me! Thanks

Craft-E-Place said...

This is simply beautiful and inspiring. I'd love to have a go. I would love to know how big it is.
Elaine

yoursartfully said...

Thanks Elaine. The overall size is 28 x 34 cm.

finnella03 said...

This is beautiful Lin, just like your previous post. It is time to blow it up on the big computer screen as there is so much gorgeous detail. You are so talented.

massofhair said...

Stunning Lin, would enjoy seeing this up close and personal like Hazel would.

So many beautiful techniques put together, so much to look at and admire.

A very special Mixed Media piece:-) xxx

Lynne Gilbert said...

Absolutely stunning Lin. X

Anonymous said...

And beautiful it is.
Love the colours and the embellishments.
I think it is time to write your own book! I would happily buy a signed copy.
Margriet

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Lin, as usual your design and detail is stunning! Need to go back and take another look to make sure I've not missed anything! Sue C x

Ruth said...

Another several visits project, just been back to your last one and discovered more! This is another delight....adore the hinged doors, the colourising to age them is perfect....but my eyes are drawn to the exquisite twisted or pleated frame that edges the whole project and all those tiny beads that frame elements.....Sublime! Ruth x

Kirsten said...

Lin, that is truly a work of art & it is utterly, utterly beautiful. I've been staring at it for ages & still seeing new elements.

http://blog.timetocreate.com.au/ said...

Linda what a gorgeous piece! So many tiny and thoughtful details to admire!

Annie said...

A fabulous make Lin wonderful details with so much to look at. Very inspiring
TFS and best wishes
Annie x